DescriptionAmazon.comJacques Brel achieved fame through his performances in
France, but he was born in Belgium and identified himself
strongly with his linguistically divided native land. His
acidly humorous lyrics target the hypocrisies of groups as
well as individuals, with special attention to Belgium's
Flemish population, the military, and the bourgeoisie in
general. At the same time, some of Brel's most affecting
songs contain passages in Flemish, and many of his lyrics
show a pronounced fondness for his "flat country." Brel's
irreverent approach to life was sharply reflected in his
music and films and can be compared to that of Bob Dylan in
the U.S. and Vladimir Vysotsky in Russia, with whom he also
shared a capacity for tongue-twisting patter not heard since
the early days of Danny Kaye. On this CD, "Le Plat Pays,"
"Au Suivant," and "Les Bourgeois" illustrate both the somber
and raucous aspects of his extensive repertoire. --Edward
Killham